By William Agda
On December 12, 2024, 361 families from Surigao City received financial assistance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. Each family was provided PHP3,000 during the payout activity held in Barangay Washington.
The beneficiaries, representing 20 villages across the city, were affected by Typhoon Kristine, which struck in October 2024. The financial aid, amounting to over PHP1 million in total, aims to help families recover from the typhoon’s aftermath.
Arlyn, a 24-year-old mother of two from Barangay Ipil, shared her experience of being displaced during the typhoon. Living near the coastline, her house sustained partial damage, forcing her family to evacuate to the barangay’s gymnasium for safety. She said the PHP3,000 assistance would be used to purchase essential items such as rice, food, and vitamins for her children.
The AICS program, which provides immediate financial, medical, and burial aid to individuals and families in crisis situations, has been a crucial resource for affected communities. The Surigao City Public Information Office encouraged other residents in need to visit the City Social Welfare and Development Office to apply for similar assistance.
Typhoon Kristine brought significant damage to parts of Surigao del Norte, including Surigao City, on October 22, 2024. Its heavy rains and strong winds displaced hundreds of families and caused widespread damage to infrastructure and homes in coastal and low-lying areas. The DSWD continues to work with local government units to provide support and assistance to affected residents.